Ford Bronco Sport vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact SUV that embraced rugged styling, setting itself apart from the more urban-focused Ford Escape. Its design featured a rectangular grille with round headlights and "Bronco" lettering, reminiscent of the larger Bronco model. The Bronco Sport maintained a square silhouette with a long, flat hood and upright greenhouse, giving it a cute yet adventurous appearance. For 2025, the addition of off-road packages like the Black Diamond and Sasquatch enhanced its ruggedness with modular steel bumpers, bash plates, and skid plates. The interior, while less distinctive, was functional and included new features like center-console grab handles and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ offered a more modern and streamlined look. Available in XLE and Limited trims, it featured single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD options with two battery sizes. The bZ's restyled exterior looked better with body-color trim, and the interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console. The 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, and the fabric seats had an upscale pattern. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. Overall, the bZ aimed for a higher sense of quality and organization in its design.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with most trims featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Bronco Sport excelled in off-road capabilities, thanks to its dual-clutch rear-drive unit for torque vectoring, Trail Control, and multiple drive modes, including Rally and Rock Crawl. The Sasquatch Package added off-road suspension, 29-inch all-terrain tires, and steel underbody protection, making it a formidable off-roader while maintaining on-road comfort and composure.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, on the other hand, offered a choice between a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery or a dual-motor setup with a 74.7-kWh battery. The XLE FWD with the larger battery delivered 224 hp and an EPA-rated range of 314 miles. The dual-motor bZ models produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's regenerative braking system lacked one-pedal driving capability, but it provided a comfortable and quiet ride on highways. However, its handling on winding roads was less impressive due to the all-season tires and lifeless steering.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport prioritized practicality without compromising its off-road focus. It offered more headroom in both rows compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Forester Wilderness. Cargo space was competitive, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Bronco Sport also featured ample storage solutions, including a device tray with USB ports and a wireless charging pad. It could tow up to 2,700 pounds with the turbo-four engine, surpassing some rivals.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, provided easy access with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, and the Limited trim added ventilated seats. While it lacked a traditional glove compartment, the bZ compensated with a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, but foot space was limited. Cargo space was 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear liftgate, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport upgraded to the Ford Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The available 360-degree camera system was a valuable off-road aid, providing clear views of obstacles. However, reliance on the touchscreen for climate control and seat heaters was a minor drawback.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display's placement and readability were criticized, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well in most scenarios.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in several tests, though the updated side-impact test received an "Acceptable" rating. Standard safety features included Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, with options for reverse automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for added safety. The Limited trim included Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the IIHS ratings were mixed, with "Good" ratings for front-crash avoidance but "Poor" for headlights and "Acceptable" for frontal-impact crash tests.